The 2024 East Coast Dragon Championship was hosted by the Medway Yacht Club (MYC) on the historic River Medway. Held over three days, the championship saw Dragon sailors from across the East Coast compete in closely contested races and come together to celebrate a significant milestone—75 years of the Medway Dragon Fleet.

2023 East Coast Champion Mark Wade Avalance GBR722 made the journey to the Medway with his sights on retaining the Championship. If he was to win he would claim his fourth East Coast title.

The event brought together seasoned sailors and new competitors alike, all eager to test their skills on the ever-challenging waters of the Medway. Conditions throughout the weekend were varied, with the fleet tackling changeable winds that tested strategy and boat handling on the windward-leeward courses. As always, the River Medway provided a scenic yet demanding backdrop for the competition, where sailors were tested.

Across the three days, the racing was tight, with positions constantly shifting as crews adapted to the unpredictable conditions. Saturday evening was a highlight off the water, as the Medway Yacht Club hosted the Dragon East Coast Championship dinner. The dinner also served as a celebration of 75 years of Dragon sailing on the Medway, with heartfelt speeches, toasts, and tributes.

Edwin Hannant, the MYC Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore, were at the heart of the evening’s celebrations, delivering a memorable speech that captured the essence of the Medway Dragon Fleet’s rich history and vibrant community.

Tim Wilkes, who attended the event, captured the spirit of the evening perfectly: “It was an excellent evening, thank you Edwin Hannant and the Medway Yacht Club Dragon fleet, celebrating 75 years of the Dragon on the Medway. Great speeches from Edwin, MYC Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore, BDA Chairman and the ladies of the Dragon fleet. Highlights included cutting the anniversary cake – and eating it, too.”

As the final race concluded, participants and supporters gathered to congratulate the winners and reflect on a memorable weekend. Congratulations to Quentin Strauss and team Whistle GBR560 on winning the 2024 East Coast Dragon Championship. This is a fourth East Coast title win for Quentin and his second on home waters.

RESULTS

Dragon East Coast Championship 2024, Medway Yacht Club

Results are as of 12:58 on September 23, 2024 – Sailed: 6, Discards: 1, To count: 5, Entries: 10, Scoring system: Appendix A

Rank	Boat	Sail No.	Club	Helm	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Total	Nett
1st	Whistle	GBR560	MYC	Quentin Strauss	2	1	2	3	1	(5)	14.0	9
2nd	Avalanche	GBR722	RCYC	Mark Wade	1	(11 OCS)	1	4	3	2	22	11
3rd	Still Crazy	GBR827	RCYC	Ian Gray	3	2	(7)	6	5	1	24	17
4th	Taniwha	GBR823	MYC	Howard Paterson	(8)	3	5	5	2	7	30	22
5th	Fit Chick	GBR753	MYC	Jonathan Hewat	5	7	4	2	(8)	4	30	22
6th	Gandalf	GBR726	MYC	Edwin Hannant	9	5	3	(11 DNF)	4	3	35	24
7th	Suti	GBR747	MYC	Toby Atack	6	6	8	1	6	(9)	36	27
8th	OCD	GBR675	MYC	Chris Brealy	4	4	6	(9)	9	8	40	31
9th	Hands Off	GBR760	RCYC	Andrew Moss	7	(11 OCS)	9	7	7	6	47	36
10th	Vendesi	GBR523	MYC	Phil Walker	10	8	(11 DNS)	8	10	10	57	46